Often, pain in the lumbar spine indicates the development of pathology, including the onset of an inflammatory process.
If treatment is not started in a timely manner, symptoms will progress and it will be more difficult to restore health. In this article, you will learn about the causes and treatments for lower back pain.
Characteristics of back pain
Depending on the nature, pain is classified into 3 types:
Chronic.A person experiences discomfort during any physical activity - when bending, climbing stairs or twisting the body. During the period of relapses (exacerbations), the pain can intensify and spread to various parts of the body.
Acute.It occurs when the disc is displaced and is characterized by acute painful sensations in the lower back. Mobility is limited, a person cannot get out of bed, it is difficult for him to walk or bend over.
In pain.It is accompanied by unpleasant sensations that do not go away for a long time. As a rule, aching pain signals the development of diseases of the kidneys, genitourinary system. It can also be a symptom of osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, spondyloarthritis.
In addition to pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine, the patient may experience concomitant symptoms:
- muscle weakness;
- loss of control over urination and defecation;
- numbness in the legs;
- increase in body temperature;
- chills;
- groin / groin pain;
- violation of the menstrual cycle.
If the discomfort does not go away for a long time and a person complains of several symptoms at once, it is important to contact a therapist immediately. Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Causes of back pain
There are two main groups of diseases due to which pain syndrome develops in the lumbar region:
Spine problems:
Osteochondrosis.Degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the intervertebral discs lose their flexibility and ability to function normally. The disease can be resolved at the initial stage, subject to timely treatment. Sharp pains, aggravated by bending, indicate the progressive development of the disease.
Spondylosis.Spine disorder in which the intervertebral disc becomes severely depleted and worn out. The cause of the pathology is trauma and increased stress on the spine. A person with spondylosis has a hard time turning the body. The disease is characterized by a slow course, so the outcome of the treatment is often positive.
Scoliosis.Curvature of the spine, which most often can occur during adolescence due to rapid growth. The disease has 4 stages and can manifest itself as pain in the lower back.
Lumbago.Sudden throbbing pain in the lumbar spine, in the event that a person freezes in an uncomfortable position. Mobility with low back pain is also limited.
Osteoporosis.A serious pathology in which the bone vertebrae become porous, lose their density and elasticity. Lower back pain can occur when lifting weights, changing body positions, and other loads.
Systemic joint disease, in which a person experiences stiffness, pain, and tension in the back muscles in the lumbar region. These unpleasant sensations can intensify at night and cause frequent awakenings. The pain is relieved with movement and exercise.
Myofascial syndrome.A fairly common disease that develops due to prolonged uncomfortable posture or after physical exertion. A distinctive feature is the presence of trigger points (pains) in the lower back or buttocks. When pressed on them, sharp pain occurs.
Diseases of the internal organs:
Attack of appendicitis.Depending on the features of the functioning of the human body, pain can appear on the right side and be given to the lower back.
Kidney inflammation.The main symptom of impaired kidney function is a pulling and unpleasant pain in the lumbar region. It can also be accompanied by the appearance of edema and an increase in body temperature.
PancreatitisWith the development of this disease, a person can experience nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. If the lower back pain is caused precisely by pancreatitis, the pain does not increase when the spine is palpated.
Cholecystitis.The pain is localized in the right hypochondrium, as it radiates to the lower back. Low back pain and discomfort in the lower back indicate the involvement of spinal nerve fibers in the pathological process.
EndometriosisA gynecological disease, in the event that the inner cells of the layer of the walls of the uterus grow beyond its limits. The woman feels pain in the lumbar region.
Obesity.Excess weight puts strain on the lower back and intervertebral discs. As a result, they deform and collapse. A person feels uncomfortable when walking for a long time or climbing stairs.
Oncology.Low back pain can occur if there is a benign or malignant tumor. It "absorbs" a lot of calcium, there is a deficiency in the bone structures, they become thinner.
Physiological causes of back pain
Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to fresh air in cold weather can cause numbness in the lower back. At the same time, the discomfort increases when bending, moving and turning. Sometimes it can give in to the leg or buttock.
Critical days. During the menstrual cycle, about 50% of women experience unpleasant and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, which extend to the lumbar region. As a rule, the discomfort disappears after the end of the cycle.
Excessive load. Extreme weight lifting and too much stress on the lower back lead to painful sensations.
Climax. During menopause, the level of estrogen, a hormone that regulates recovery processes, decreases in a woman's body. Bone tissues lose their ability to fully recover. They become fragile.
Uncomfortable shoes. Wearing high heels and tight shoes will compress the blood vessels in the legs. As a result, aching lower back pain occurs.
Lack of physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise contribute to chronic lower back pain. Muscles atrophy and lose their natural elasticity.
Diagnostics
First, the doctor interviews and examines the patient. She prescribes the passage of a general chemical analysis (donation of blood and urine). To get a general picture and exclude serious pathological changes, it is recommended to perform:
CT.A modern diagnostic method by which it is possible to detect the development of pathology at an early stage. Clearly visualize all bone structures.
magnetic resonance.Shows the state of soft tissues and cartilage. Also, with the help of MRI, tumors, intervertebral hernias and changes in blood vessels are diagnosed.
X-ray.It provides information on changes in the bone structure of the spine, shows the presence of bruises, microfractures and helps detect pathologies of the spine.
Ultrasound.Allows you to determine the state of internal organs and detect inflammatory processes.
Based on the data obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment. If necessary, he offers to be examined by other specialists: gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist.
How to cure low back pain
Methods of treatment depend on the disease and are prescribed individually. As a rule, complex therapy is the most effective. They usually recommend:
- avoid lifting heavy loads;
- take vitamins of group B and calcium;
- use a support bandage;
- swim, move more, or take a course in medical gymnastics;
- taking corticosteroids to relieve severe inflammation (as directed by a doctor);
- muscle relaxants to relieve spasms.
Depending on the cause of the disease, the doctor may prescribe bed rest or, conversely, an increase in physical activity. For example, if the nerves are pinched, passive rest is recommended. For some muscle spasms, massage and moderate exercise. In addition, the methods of treatment include:
Physiotherapy.It includes a number of methods of physical impact on the affected area. With its help, microcirculation improves, edema and spasms disappear, and it is also possible to achieve an anti-inflammatory effect.
Manual therapy.A type of alternative medicine used to treat the musculoskeletal system. The specialist finds the place where the nerves are pinched and helps the spasmodic muscles to relax. It also tones up those places that, on the contrary, are very relaxed.
Acupuncture.Helps relieve pain through the use of special needles. They are injected into active points of the body and spine. The muscles are relaxed and the lower back becomes healthier.
When conservative therapy fails, it is necessary to consult a neurosurgeon. Most often, the operation is prescribed for intervertebral hernias, which led to the violation of the spinal root and the onset of radicular pain.
What to do for severe lower back pain
For acute low back pain that cannot be tolerated, the patient is given a block. A procedure in which a doctor injects a pain reliever into an area where pain is occurring or where a nerve fiber is passing. This radical method temporarily relieves pain. Also, a specialist can prescribe antibiotics, immunomodulators and chondroprotectors.
With severe back pain, do not self-medicate or endure. This can lead to fatal consequences, including disability or death.
Prevention and prognosis
Try to keep a balance between work and play. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity are the main causes of back pain.
If you work on your computer or drive all day, try to find time for exercise or for a walk. It is not necessary to spend two hours in the room. You can choose a feasible exercise from yoga, fitness or pilates and do it at home.
Carry weights in your backpack. This will help to evenly distribute the load on the back and not tear it off. When lifting something heavy, bend your legs, not your back. If you need to reach from above, use a ladder or chair.
Get a massage. Visit a massage therapist twice a year and take a massage course of at least 10 sessions. This will help relieve muscle spasms and promote overall health.
Get an orthopedic mattress and pillow. In a dream, a person spends ⅓ of her life. Make sure that during this time you feel comfortable and can completely relax. Buy the products at an orthopedic salon after consulting a seller.
In order not to harm yourself, be careful with the methods of traditional medicine and self-medication. If you need specialist help, you can contact our clinic. To make an appointment, leave a request or call.